God Has Given Us Everything We Need! (Part I) 2 Peter 1:1-4 Purpose: God has Given us everything we need to know Him and live for Him 1. God Gives Us Himself 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; Written by whom for who? The Apostle Peter for receivers of the faith How does Peter describe himself here? a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ What kind of faith? same kind as ours How do we get it? “have received” & “by the righteousness of Jesus Christ” Who is Jesus? our God & Savior Define the word “knowledge” of God and of Jesus our Lord 2. God Gives Us Everything for Life and Godliness 2 Peter 1:3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Who “granted” to whom, what? to us everything pertaining to life and godliness “Through” what? the true knowledge of Him who called us How were we called? by His own glory and excellence 3. God Gives Us His Precious Promises 2 Peter 1:4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Again He “granted” something. What? precious and magnificent promises Why? to become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped corruption

Being the Body of Christ for the World 1. God’s Ministry, God’s Way Proverbs 3:5-6 Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law. 2. God’s Power to Save 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 God’s Wisdom & Power is Greater Than Man’s 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 The Gospel Defined, Christ Crucified and Risen 3. God’s Mission Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20 Mark 16:15 Luke 24:45-47 John 20:21 Acts 1:8 Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” Revelation 7:9-12 4. FBC Exists to Glorify Christ in “¦ Worship Discipleship Mission

Turning the Church Inside Out Purpose: to be strong inside for God’s glory outside 1st Base Believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:8-13) Be Baptized (Acts 2:38) Join a Biblical New Testament Church (1 Corinthians 12:13) 2nd Base Jesus bids disciples, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19; 19:21; Luke 9:23; John 10:27) Grow by Scripture (Matthew 4:4; John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:1) 3rd Base Serve In and With the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:10-13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11) Home Run Go (John 20:21; Matt. 28:18-20)

Spiritual Gifts in the Church 1 Corinthians 12-14 Purpose: to rediscover God’s reason why He gave us spiritual gifts 1. God, Giver of Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1-13, 18, 24, 18 From the same God, different gifts 2. God’s Gifts, What For? 1 Corinthians 12:7, 25 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 12, 19, 26 To edify the body, to build up one another, for growing in faith and obedience to Christ 3. Engaging Our Gifts How they work together, as one, like a body 1 Corinthians 12:14-23 How NOT to use our gifts 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 & cf. 14:9-12, 13-19, 26-40 How TO use our gifts 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 & cf. 14:40 Love FIRST, then use your gifts 1 Corinthians 14:1 So that we can glorify Christ in Worship, Discipleship, and Mission together!

Why Join a church? Purpose: to rediscover and recommit to Jesus Christ’s covenant community 1. Baptism: The Sign of Knowing Christ and His People Romans 6 2. Biblical Body Language How the Bible describes individual Christians as being part of a local body or church Romans 12:4-5 Members of One Another 1 Corinthians 12 3. Why Join? Biblical reasons for joining a church From Don Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines Within The Church (Moody Publishers, 1996) 1. You prove that you’re not ashamed to identify with Christ or His people. 2. You stop being an independent Christian. 3. You participate in a stronger, more unified effort of God’s people. 4. You have a greater opportunity to use your spiritual gift. 5. You openly demonstrate the reality of the body of Christ. 6. You participate in a more balanced ministry. 7. You demonstrate your commitment “to the proper working of each individual part.” 8. You encourage new believers in commitment to the local body of Christ. 9. You encourage a ministry when you consider it faithful and join it. In order to Glorify Christ in Worship, Discipleship, and Mission!

Glorifying Christ in Mission Purpose: for FBC to exalt Jesus Christ as Savior of the Nations 1. The State of the Lost Romans 1 2. The LORD’s Vision Isaiah 11:9b Habakkuk 2:14 3. The King Is Alive! A Closer Look at the Great Commission Matthew 28:18-20 Mark 16:15-16 Luke 24:45-47 John 20:21 Acts 1:8 4. “Go” Means Go! King Jesus’ Command is for His Church to GO to the Nations with His Gospel 5. Our FBC Plan Romans 10:14-17 Romans 15:20

Glorifying Christ in Discipleship John chapters 13-20 Purpose: Jesus sends His disciples on God’s Mission to bring salvation to the world Jesus on Discipleship (from the Gospel of John) 1. The Holy Spirit Gives New Birth (Jn. 3:3-8) 2. The Passover/Lord’s Supper (Jn. 13) 3. Untroubled by the World and its Persecutions (Jn. 14:1) 4. Prayer in His Name (Jn. 14:13; 15:7) 5. Prayer to Jesus and to the Father (Jn. 14:13-14) 6. The Holy Spirit Reminds Us of All of Jesus’ Teachings (Jn. 14:26) 7. The Trinity Works for Us (Jn. 14:16-17) 8. The Trinity Dwells Within Us (Jn. 14:16, 23) 9. Compelled by love of Jesus to Obey His commands (Jn.14:15, 23-24) 10. Abiding in Jesus’ Word, Bearing Fruit with Joy (Jn. 15:1-11) 11. Love One Another Like Jesus Did (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12, 17) 12. Not of this World & Persecuted like Jesus was Persecuted (Jn. 15:20) 13. Holy Spirit guides Us to All Truth & Glorifies Jesus Christ (Jn. 16:3) 14. Eternal Joy in Jesus Drives Disciples Through Worldly Grief (Jn. 16:22) 15. Jesus Overcame the World for Our Peace and Courage (Jn. 16:33) 16. God the Son Praying to God the Father for His Disciples (Jn. 17) 17. Jesus’ Arrest and Trial (Jn. 18) 18. Jesus’ Crucifixion and Burial (Jn. 19) 19. Jesus is Alive, Jesus Sends Us Too! (Jn. 20:21) John’s Great Commission Account See: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:45-47

Glorifying Christ in Worship Malachi & John 4 Purpose: to glorify God in Jesus Christ as the only One worthy of worship 1. Glorifying YHWH in the OT ““ Malachi 1:1-5 The LORD’s love for Israel 1:6-2:9 Restoring YWHW Worship in the Leaders of God’s People 2:10-17 Restoring YHWH Worship in the Family 3:1-7 The PURIFIER 3:8-12 Restoring YHWH Worship in Tithing 3:13-15 Restoring YHWH Worship in Speech 3:16-18 YHWH’s Own Possession (see Titus 2:11-15) 4:1-6 The Righteous and the Wicked 2. Glorifying Christ in the NT ““ John 4:1-30 4:1-6 The Context 4:7-14 The Invitation 4:15-20 The Confrontation 4:21-26 The Revelation: Jesus is Messiah, Worship God in Spirit & Truth 4:27-30 The Mission: A Woman’s Life Changes

Above and Beyond All We Ask or Imagine IN CHRIST Ephesians 6:21-24 Purpose: setting the church on her course in Christ 1. Knowledge and Encouragement for Gospel Ministry Eph. 6:21 But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts. Paul sends Tychicus to fill up their knowledge and encouragement “comfort” here is the word – urge, exhort, comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 2. A Community of Incorruptible Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace In Christ Eph. 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Where does Peace, Love, & Faith come from? God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Grace is with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ “Incorruptible” here is the word – immortal

Biblical Spiritual Warfare: Battle Prayer Ephesians 6:18-20 Purpose: rediscovering resolute prayer in the midst of spiritual battle 1. Persevering Prayer for All Christians Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, We are commanded to do what? pray at all times How? “With” all prayer and petition “In” the Spirit We are commanded to be on alert How? “With” all perseverance and petition “For” who? all the saints 2. Prayer for Spirit-Filled Speech Ephesians 6:19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, What did Paul ask prayer for? that utterance may be given to me Who gives that? God For what purpose? Exalting the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 1:9-10)! This is the battle exemplified!! 3. Prayer for Bold Proclamation Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Who’s ambassador are you? (2 Cor. 5: 20) __________________________ In your spiritual warfare, what do you desire? __________________________

Biblical Spiritual Warfare: The Armor for Your Battle! Ephesians 6:14-17 Purpose: wrapped in the armor of God you are safe from the enemy, stand firm in Christ 1. Truth Ephesians 6:14a Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH Belt of Truth ““ Isaiah 11:5 Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist. 2. Righteousness Ephesians 6:14b HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Breastplate of Righteousness ““ Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. 3. Gospel Ephesians 6:15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE Sandals of the Gospel of Peace ““ Isaiah 52:7 How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 4. Faith Ephesians 6:16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Shield of Faith ““ Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” And Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. 5. Salvation Ephesians 6:17a And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, Helmet of Salvation ““ Isaiah 59:17 He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle. 6. Word of God Ephesians 6:17b and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Sword of the Spirit ““ Isaiah 49:2 He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver. God gives us two provisions so that we may “stand” and “resist.” First, the Lord’s strength (v. 10) realized only in the sphere of God’s might. Second, the Lord’s full armor (vv. 11a & 13a). Every piece of the armor is found in the Old Testament where it is the Lord God Messiah wearing it!! When Paul is commanding Christians to put on the full armor of God, this means we are to live in the strength of the Living Messiah, Jesus Christ!!